Search Brave foundation
Before her pregnancy, Katelyn was an ‘average teenager’ struggling with mental and physical health issues and a nicotine addiction. However, discovering she was pregnant was a pivotal moment.
“When I found out I was pregnant, I stopped everything and turned everything around. I started looking after myself more,” Katelyn shared. “The moment I saw that positive, I felt like I finally had a purpose, something to do with my life.”
Katelyn’s pregnancy was challenging with severe morning sickness that meant she couldn’t continue attending school, but it wasn’t the only complication she struggled with. “Every month was another complication, not just with the pregnancy, but with family and being pregnant at such a young age. It was very hard on my body… and having to get everything organised as two teenagers,” she said.
During her pregnancy, Katelyn also experienced judgement from healthcare professionals, people at school and in public. “They say congrats but their tone and the way they treat you… People at school said some stuff that no one wants to hear, especially about having a kid. It was definitely tough on both of us.”
Referred to Brave Foundation by her midwife around 12-13 weeks into her pregnancy, Katelyn was introduced to Brooke, her mentor.
“Often people that are supposed to support you, without saying it, they think you are too young. When someone who knew what it was like to have kids young, it was refreshing. It was the first time someone was willing to work through it with us and support us,” Katelyn said.
This connection provided Katelyn with the encouragement and resources she needed to prepare for Isaak’s arrival – her primary goal. She wanted to create a safe and nurturing environment for him, with all the necessary supplies and equipment. Brooke helped connect her to services which could provide essential items like clothes and a car seat to alleviate the financial pressure.
The emotional support from Brooke was equally crucial. She was always there to listen, offering flexibility and understanding on days when Katelyn felt overwhelmed. This support helped Katelyn manage her stress and anxiety, making her pregnancy and early days of motherhood more manageable.
“Listening, literally she will just come over and listen to me talk about everything. Some days, there is just too much going on, and you don’t feel like having someone over because it is too stressful, but she is understanding of those days,” Katelyn shared.
Right now, Katelyn is focusing on getting through ‘the newborn trenches’ and enjoying quiet moments with Isaak.
“It’s just those moments when he is lying there and looking around, and it feels so surreal. Every time you see him do something you haven’t seen him do before, it’s amazing,” she said.
But she still has goals to achieve with Brooke by her side – including getting back to school. Katelyn and her boyfriend want to create a stable and happy life for their family – in their own home, free from the stress of living with extended family, and being financially stable. “Our goals are to find our own place and provide a happy life for Isaak and our family,” she said.
Brooke said it has been extremely rewarding watching Katelyn transition into motherhood. “It’s really a privilege to share in a young person’s worries, thoughts, feelings and achievements. She has been very open about her challenges, and I have loved supporting her while she overcomes these.”
Katelyn’s advice to other young parents is to ignore the opinions of others and focus on their own beliefs and capabilities.
“Everyone will have their opinions, but their opinions don’t matter. It’s only what you think that matters. As long as you know you can do it, you will be fine.”